HANDBILL DELIVERY
City executives will deliver a report to the council detailing rules concerning the placement of handbills and fliers on private property.
The council, which requested the report at its Oct. 21 meeting, last amended the Burbank Handbill Ordinance in 2002 to distinguish between commercial and noncommercial handbills as well as limit time restrictions for the delivery of handbills.
Enforcement of the ordinance is primarily complaint-driven. Last year, the city received complaints from 17 individuals, ranging from calls to reduce litter generated by the handbills to an all-out ban on fliers, according to the report.
Twelve city business are licensed to deliver handbills between 9 a.m. and sunset, with certain exceptions.
The cost of an annual license to distribute handbills is $121.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The council will either file the report or direct staff to return with additional information.
REVISED CITY BUDGET
The City Council on Tuesday will consider a revised city budget forecast that accounts for a $1.97-million decrease in revenue.
City staff will present a report that cites waning auto and home prices, increased unemployment and unstable consumer confidence. Staff will invite the council to revise the budget to reflect a lag in city service charges, permit fees, parking tax and a slumping business community.
Despite the grim midyear assessment, property values increased 10% over the same period last year, with tax revenues of $11.4 million.
What’s more, the city’s Utility Users Tax was tracking at $9.4 million, according to the budget report.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The council is expected to approve the budget adjustments and push for forecasts for next fiscal year, which begins July 1.
HEALTH CLUB BONDS
City staff will brief the council on the status of health club bonds, which it adopted in 1994 as part of the Burbank Heath Club Ordinance.
The measure requires all Burbank-licensed health club owners to first post a financial guaranty bond that provides clubs the ability to refund members should the club suddenly shutter its business.
Proprietors owning multiple clubs must seek a separate license for each establishment.
The council passed the measure after hundreds of residents complained to the city that they were having a difficult time recouping pre-paid membership fees when three health clubs closed.
The complaints resulted in the city declaring a 90-day moratorium on the issuing of health-club licenses.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The council will either seek additional information for later discussion or file the report.
